Detroit Tigers must now add a left-handed slugger before Opening Day

AP PhotoTigers left-handed reliever Bobby Seay, who is eligible for arbitration, could be used as trade bait to lure a left-handed bat. If the Tigers are willing to add an additional $7 million to their 2010 payroll, some have suggested general manager Dave Dombrowski spend the cash on a much-needed slugger, rather than a top-tier reliever.

Instead, the Tigers have signed Jose Valverde – a hard-throwing closer – in an effort to secure a questionable bullpen.

Without the addition of Valverde, oft-injured reliever Joel Zumaya and untested 22-year-old hurler Ryan Perry would have vied for the closer’s role this spring -- a question mark apparently too big for Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski to leave unaddressed.

Despite the addition of Valverde, The Detroit News’ Lynn Henning suggests the Tigers will still touch up their roster and could add a left-fielder before the Opening Day roster is officially announced.

The Detroit News, Jan. 14: I expect at least one more bat to be offered. But that's where the likely end-of-spring-training trade, or trades, are likely to make a difference.

**snip**

They still need a reliable, defensive-savvy left-fielder who can hit with crunch. That's where they figure to add a bat, in my mind.

Ryan Raburn and Carlos Guillen will likely platoon in left with Wilkin Ramirez in the rearview mirror. Austin Jackson isn’t guaranteed a spot in center with Casper Wells and Clete Thomas breathing down his neck, and Magglio Ordonez will probably split time with Thomas in right, too.

I’m not sure about the idea of adding another corner outfielder to an already crowded outfield, but a seasoned left-handed bat would certainly be a welcomed commodity.

With only four left-handed bats on the roster (Guillen, Clete Thomas, Alex Avila), the Tigers would certainly benefit with another in the lineup – assuming Jeff Larish, Don Kelly and Brennan Boesch don't make the 25-man cut.

Dombrowski hinted that he’s not interested in adding a designated hitter this offseason, which would rule out the addition of veteran sluggers Jim Thome or Russell Branyan. Guillen – who is slated to start in left – will likely rotate at DH with Magglio Ordonez.

If the Tigers are going to sign or trade for a player, it’s going to be someone who plays a position.

For now, Detroit appears set on sticking with Adam Everett and Scott Sizemore as its middle infielders, but a lot could change this spring. Sizemore remains untested and is coming off ankle surgery, Everett's offensive woes remain a concern and Tigers manager Jim Leyland still doesn't consider Ramon Santiago an everyday player.

Like Henning says, don’t be surprised if the Tigers make a trade this spring.

Right now, the free-agent options at second and shortstop are limited, but Detroit could look past free agency and, instead, package one of its many left-handed relievers, along with a minor league prospect, for a left-handed slugger. If a player at second or shortstop is unattainable, then, yeah, Dombrowski might continue his search for a left-handed outfielder.

Seay, who is eligible for arbitration, made $1.3 million last season
and will likely receive a slight increase in salary this season. He finished the season on a sour note due to a left shoulder injury, but he's a tested situational southpaw that would attract interest from teams.

The good news is, right now, the Tigers have plenty of lineup options. The bad news is many of them don't pose a big threat.